The “Mobility Scheme” was launched under the Knowledge Involvement in Research Advancement through Nurturing (KIRAN) Programme by the Department of Science & Technology, Government of India. It addresses relocation issues faced by women scientists in permanent positions in Government Organizations. The scheme is designed to support women scientists who experience difficulties in their current job due to relocation—whether due to marriage, transfer of spouse, attending to ailing parents, or accompanying children studying in a different city—by providing a contractual research award that enables them to pursue independent research while transitioning to a new location.
Benefits
- Emoluments:
Awardees receive a consolidated salary per month for the project duration. - Manpower Support:
Need-based manpower support is provided. - Research Grant:
A research grant of ₹5,00,000 per annum covers consumables, contingencies, travel, and minor equipment for project implementation. - Duration:
The fellowship is available for a maximum of five (5) years and is non-renewable after this period.
Eligibility
- Applicant Profile:
Women scientists/academicians in permanent positions in Government Institutions, R&D Labs, or Universities. - Relocation Requirement:
Applicants must be willing to resign or take long leave to avail of the fellowship and return to their parent organization after completion. The new workplace must be located more than 500 km from the current city. - Age Criterion:
The upper age limit for applicants is 50 years.
Application Process
Mode: Offline
- Research Proposal:
The applicant must prepare a comprehensive research proposal in her area of expertise. - Submission:
Submit five copies of the application form—including general information and the research proposal—in the prescribed format, available at https://dst.gov.in or http://online-wosa.gov.in. - Dispatch:
Send the five copies by speed post to:
Department of Science and Technology,
Technology Bhawan, New Mehrauli Road, New Delhi-110016.
Note: The envelope should be superscribed with “Mobility Scheme”.
Documents Required
- Identity proof
- Research Proposal
- Proof of Current Employment
- Relocation Proof
- Academic and Professional Certificates
- Age Proof
- Bank Account Details
- Any other documents as required
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-
What is the aim of this Scheme?
To support women scientists facing relocation issues by providing a research fellowship that enables them to remain active in research while transitioning to a new location. -
Who is eligible to apply for the scheme?
Women scientists/academicians in permanent positions in Government Institutions, R&D Labs, or Universities who are willing to resign or take long leave. -
What circumstances qualify as reasons for relocation?
Reasons include marriage, transfer of the husband, attending to ailing parents, or accompanying children studying in a different city. -
What is the duration of the fellowship under the Scheme?
The fellowship lasts for a maximum of five (5) years. -
What financial support is provided to the awardees?
Awardees receive a consolidated monthly salary, along with a research grant of ₹5,00,000 per annum. -
Is there support for hiring manpower under this scheme?
Yes, need-based manpower support is provided. -
Can the awardee return to their parent organization after the fellowship?
Yes, the award is designed to enable the awardee to return to their parent organization upon completion of the fellowship. -
Are there any restrictions on the location of the new workplace?
Yes, the new workplace must be located more than 500 km from the current city. -
What is the upper age limit for applicants?
The upper age limit is 50 years. -
How can one apply for the Mobility Scheme?
Applications must be submitted offline as described above. -
Where can applicants find the application format?
The format is available on the official websites: https://dst.gov.in and http://online-wosa.gov.in. -
To whom should the application be sent?
The application should be sent to the Department of Science and Technology at Technology Bhawan, New Mehrauli Road, New Delhi-110016. -
Is the scheme applicable to women scientists in private institutions?
No, it is specifically for women scientists/academicians in permanent positions in Government Institutions, R&D Labs, or Universities.